This summer I had the opportunity to learn more about the financial aid process through an internship at Duke University. While I learned tons and feel that I added a few tools to my professional toolkit, I also had the opportunity to fellowship regularly at a church that I’ve loved since first visiting in college.

There was a Wednesday night service where the pastor preached a word about the importance of being different. Essentially as Christians, we can no longer be satisfied with doing things the way the world does things- we have to be true to what we say we believe and be willing to be different.

That word has stuck with me, and has become my “theme” for the year. And, while I knew it would be challenging, I think I slightly underestimated the challenge. For me, the biggest challenge encounters occur with people who are Christians in name, but perhaps not in deed. I won’t hate on that because I’ve been there, I’m coming from there, and I realize it’s a process. But as I desire more for my life and to live for God at the highest level, I can’t allow myself to be surrounded by everyone. And I can’t surround myself with everyone. Everyone isn’t for me. I’m not for everybody. Just because I see you on this road with me doesn’t mean that we have (or even desire to have) the same destination.

The challenge in being different lies in the fact that you may have to be alone.

I struggle with this. At the end of the day, I always want to feel that someone is in my corner, that they have my back, that they know me and love me for who I am.

I also struggle with this because I know that a current environment where I spend the majority of my time can’t provide this- nor should I expect it to. It’s like craving something that you know is unavailable- and will be unavailable indefinitely.

It seems that God has heard my sincere plea in that I desire to be different; that I want to live for Him and serve Him to the highest ability. And it seems like He’s issued me a challenge: will I desire this and pursue this through the most difficult, uncomfortable, isolating situations; trusting Him to comfort and provide in areas where I lack?

Challenge accepted.

Until next time- peace and blessings!